The Supreme Court on 19 September 2025 dismissed a petition challenging the Karnataka High Court’s approval of the State Government’s decision to invite Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq as Chief Guest for the Dasara festival inauguration at Chamundi Temple, Mysuru. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard the matter briefly before dismissing it.
Senior Advocate PB Suresh, appearing for the petitioner, argued that a non-Hindu person cannot be allowed to perform the pujas. Justice Nath simply stated, “Dismissed.” Suresh persisted, contending that puja inside a temple “cannot be regarded as a secular act. It’s purely political…no reason why they should be brought inside temple for religious activity…,” to which Justice Nath repeated, “Dismissed.”
Undeterred, Suresh further alleged that the invitee had previously made “certain objectionable remarks…hurting religious sentiments” and claimed that such a person should not be invited. Justice Nath again repeated, “Dismissed,” commenting, “We have said ‘dismissed’ 3 times. How many dismissals are required?”
The urgent listing was sought yesterday, highlighting that the event is scheduled for 22 September 2025. Chief Justice BR Gavai agreed to list it for today’s hearing.
The Karnataka High Court, on 15 September, had dismissed petitions challenging Mushtaq’s invitation. The High Court stated, “Participation of a person practising a particular faith or religion, in celebrations of festivals of other religion does not offend the rights available under the Constitution of India.” It observed that the invitation of Banu Mushtaq “did not violate any of the Constitutional values” and noted that she is an accomplished author, lawyer, and social activist.
Petitioners had argued that participation of a non-Hindu in Hindu religious rituals, including lighting the sacred lamp, offering fruits and flowers to the deity, and chanting Vedic prayers, was inappropriate. The State countered that the event is organized by the government, not a temple or religious institution, and “there can be no discrimination on the ground of religion.”
The High Court also noted that the Dasara festivities are organized annually by the State and have historically invited accomplished persons, including scientists, educationists, authors, and freedom fighters. The invitation decision was made by a committee comprising elected representatives from various parties and government officials.
The court concluded, “we are unable to accept that any legal or constitutional right of the petitioners is violated by extending the invitation to respondent No.4 to inaugurate the State sponsored Dasara festivities. In our view, the extension of invitation to respondent No.4 does not fall foul of any of the values enshrined in the Constitution of India.” It further added, “no right of any religious denomination or any Section thereon has been curtailed or restricted. None of the persons managing any religious denomination have come forward to claim that their right to maintain their institutions for religious and charitable purposes is being violated.”
(With inputs from LiveLaw)
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